Millions urged to get new Covid jab as ‘immunity wanes’

Millions of older and vulnerable people can now book a spring Covid-19 vaccine. Officials stressed that previous immunity to the virus “may wane over time” and urged those eligible to make an appointment.

Tens of thousands of slots are now available daily in GP practices and community pharmacies across the UK. In addition to people aged 75 and over, elderly people in nursing homes and people with weak immune systems will also be able to benefit from the vaccine.

NHS England said these patients will be invited to come forward but they do not need to wait to make an appointment. Slots can be secured using the NHS app or by connecting to the internet, visiting a walk-in site or calling 119. COVID-19 spreads throughout the year and can be life-threatening for elderly or vulnerable people.

Caroline Temmink, director of immunizations for NHS England, said: “As we all experience milder and warmer days, it can be hard to imagine getting sick from viruses such as Covid-19, but they spread all year round and can be just as dangerous for the vulnerable.

“Background immunity may decrease over time, so we encourage anyone who is eligible to be protected to come forward as soon as possible. You don’t need to wait for an invitation to book because you’re eligible; just visit the NHS website, use the NHS App or call 119 to book from your diary.”